“We’ll see each other at Thanksgiving, or Christmas, or whenever you decide to make it back home,” She sniffed, and Bri pulled back to see tears running down Layla’s face. “Maybe we could even plan to go somewhere for spring break together.”
“That would be great,” Bri felt her own tears on her cheeks. “And we’ll definitely keep in touch,” she promised, meaning it. She was not going to lose Layla like she had Rosa. “And I’m serious. If you need anything, I’m here for you. I don’t care if it’s two o’clock in the morning, call me. Okay?”
“Okay. Same goes for you. I’m proud of you Bri,” Layla smiled. “You and Cole, you’ll work things out.”
“Thanks.” Bri pulled her friend in for one last hug. “Good luck, Layla. I love you, and I’m going to miss you terribly.”
“Love you too, Bri.” Layla released her. As Bri walked out the door, Layla smacked her on the butt. “Go get him, Tiger!” she winked.
Bri nodded and waved goodbye to her best friend.
She spent the next week with her family, spoiling her brothers as much as she could. She hung out at home with her dad and Summer, and on Thursday night, they went out to dinner one last time as a family.
Friday morning, Bri and her dad left for the airport, after Bri spent twenty minutes kissing her brothers goodbye. She was going to miss her little monkeys, and had a hard time leaving them. They arrived in North Carolina that evening and checked into a hotel. Bri enjoyed having some time alone with her dad, and they stayed up late talking and laughing. The next morning dawned, and they drove Bri to her new home.
The dance team shared a two story row of apartment-like dorms with the cheerleaders. Bri was happy to find that the cheerleaders occupied the seven rooms on the bottom floor, leaving the dance team the top floor. She grabbed her two suitcases and waved goodbye to her dad. The plan was for him to come pick her up for lunch, giving her time to get settled, and then to do a little shopping for her room.
Bri walked up the open stairs of her dorm, a pit of nervous, excited energy bouncing around in her stomach. This was it, she was here. The building faced a wide open, grassy common area with large full trees and flower beds. One of the team captains, her name badge said Amber, was at the top of the stairs directing girls to their rooms.
“Ambria Donnelly,” Bri gave the tall, blond girl with a friendly smile her name.
“Donnelly... Here you are! You’ll be in room number two, right there,” Amber pointed to the second door on the floor. “We pair our freshmen up with sophomore roommates to help you learn your way around and get used to things. Addison, a freshman too, Stacie, and Stephanie will be your roommates. They can answer any questions you have.” Amber gave Bri a key and smiled. “I’m Amber, and the other captains and I are at the end of the hall if you need anything. Welcome to the team! It’s going to be a great year!”
Bri thanked Amber, and walked into her new room. There was a living room with two bedrooms off the back and a shared a bathroom. The other girls had already arrived, and they all introduced themselves. Bri would be sharing a room with Stacie, and she went in to unpack her things. She placed her clothes in the dresser next to her bed, and put up the picture that Cole had given her for Christmas. She hadn’t been able to bring many things, but that was something she refused to leave behind. After she was done, she hung out with her roommates, getting to know them better.
Her dad picked her up and they went to lunch. Then they stopped at the local Target and bought her a comforter set, towels, and a few decorations for her room. Her dad also bought her a small microwave, and a Keurig machine that made her a hit in her room. They stopped for dinner before Connor dropped Bri off for the night.
The next morning, the whole team had breakfast together, and Bri got to know her new teammates. Tanya, the director, talked about the team’s goals for the year and what to expect this summer at practice. Bri was excited to get started.
After breakfast, her dad picked her up and they went car shopping together. She had had to sell her Mazda before she left California, which had been surprisingly hard. That car had been her baby. But as her dad handed her the keys to her new Jeep Grand Cherokee, Bri found a new love.
“I don’t know what the weather is like here, but his way you’ll be ready for anything.” Connor smiled, as Bri hugged him. “Oh, and I have one more thing for you.” He reached into his wallet and pulled out a shiny new credit card with Bri’s name on it. Her eyes widened. “This is for you, for gas, food, and a little bit of fun. You’ve been so responsible, and managed to cover your schooling and living expenses. The least I can do is cover the incidentals.”